2026 JAMB form sales begin January 31, board releases key instructions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released comprehensive guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, alongside a breakdown of common problems candidates often face during the process.

The board published the advisory on its official X handle on Sunday as part of efforts to help prospective applicants prepare ahead of the commencement of registration.

Registration Procedure

JAMB advised candidates to ensure that all personal information, especially their National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and A-Level results, is correct before generating a profile code.

To obtain the profile code, candidates must send their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019 in the prescribed format (e.g., NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019).

The board noted that once a profile code is issued, it cannot be altered, as biodata is pulled directly from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Candidates are expected to visit the nearest JAMB office or any accredited CBT centre to begin the full registration process.

E-PINs, it added, must only be purchased through approved channels such as banks, online vendors, or authorised agents stationed at registration centres.

Applicants were also reminded to ensure they fill the correct registration template and double-check every detail before the final submission.

JAMB stressed that inaccurate personal data or mismatched records could lead to avoidable complications.

Important Tips for Smooth Registration

The board advised candidates to:

Complete all necessary corrections with NIMC ahead of time and confirm that the updated details reflect on their NIMC portal before registering.

Use functional and unique GSM numbers and email addresses, which cannot be changed or shared once linked to a profile.

Report any biometric difficulties at a JAMB office, as no CBT centre is authorised to force biometric capture.

Ensure a dual-screen setup is used during registration and confirm that the passport photograph and fingerprints displayed are correct.

Common Registration Challenges

JAMB also outlined frequent difficulties encountered during profile code generation:

Error 55019/66019: Usually caused by a wrongly formatted request. Candidates must strictly follow the correct command (NIN 00000011111).

“Number Already Registered” Error: Indicates that the phone number is already linked to a previous profile. Affected candidates should retrieve the SIM or use a different line.

“Unable to Verify NIN”: Candidates are encouraged to wait for a while and try again.

According to JAMB, sales of the 2026 UTME forms will open on Friday, January 31, 2026, and close on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the 2026 UTME Registration

1. When will the 2026 UTME registration begin and end?

The sales of forms and full registration will run from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026, according to JAMB’s official announcement.

2. What do I need before generating a JAMB profile code?

Candidates must ensure their NIN, email address, phone number, and A-Level results (if applicable) are accurate and up to date on the NIMC system before sending the SMS request.

3. How do I correctly generate my profile code?

Send NIN (space) your 11-digit NIN number to 55019 or 66019.
Example: NIN 12345678901.
Any other format will return an error.

4. Can I change my profile code after it is generated?

No. JAMB states clearly that once a profile code has been issued, it cannot be changed, because all biodata is pulled directly from NIMC.

5. What should I do if I get the “Number Already Registered” error?

This means the phone number is already tied to an existing JAMB profile. Candidates should retrieve that SIM or use a different number entirely.

6. What causes the “Unable to Verify NIN” message?

It usually results from a temporary verification delay. JAMB advises candidates to wait for some time and try again.

7. Where can I buy a valid UTME e-PIN?

E-PINs must be purchased only through approved channels, banks, licensed online vendors, mobile money operators, and authorised agents at CBT centres.

8. Can a CBT centre force biometric capturing if it doesn’t work?

No. Only JAMB offices are authorised to handle biometric issues. Candidates experiencing fingerprint errors should be referred immediately to the nearest JAMB office.

9. What should candidates double-check during registration?

Applicants must confirm:

Correct spelling of names

Accurate date of birth

Functional email and phone number

Correct subject combination

Proper passport photograph and fingerprints displayed on-screen

10. Why is a dual-screen setup necessary?

JAMB requires a dual-screen registration system so candidates can see every detail entered in real time and confirm correctness before submission.

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